Backpack with Electronic Device Storage and Umbrella Compartment

ABSTRACT

A backpack with electronic device storage and an umbrella compartment provides a large, padded pocket with a hook-and-loop closure, wherein a mobile electronic device may be securely stored with a snug fit. One or more apertures for earphones are provided, which enables audio files to be accessed and played from a mobile electronic device while it is stored in the pocket and the backpack is being worn. The backpack further provides a long, slender umbrella compartment, and a deep socket which supports the user&#39;s umbrella when the umbrella is opened.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/169,096, filed Jun. 1, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to backpacks and in particular to a backpack with electronic device storage and an umbrella compartment. Backpacks have become an essential item of equipment on high school and college campuses, and even some corporate executives have started using them. Unfortunately, the backpack may be difficult to use while wearing a raincoat and a backpack providing a waterproof canopy would be well received. Also, certain briefcases and bags have been designed specifically for use with a laptop, a tablet, or some other mobile electronic device, and a backpack with such features would be well received.

A search of the prior art reveals an assortment of backpacks and other accessories which have been developed to perform one or more of these functions. None are closely related to the present invention, but several include features which resemble those of the present invention. Each has proven to be less than satisfactory in its own way. The present invention has been developed for the two purposes of providing a retractable umbrella canopy and secure, waterproof storage for a mobile electronic device within a backpack, while enabling the user to wear earphones connected to the stored mobile electronic device, and is intended to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

Backpack with integral umbrella, U.S. Pat. No. 8,556,141 (priority Nov. 19, 2008), provides a backpack with an integral umbrella that enables a user to be protected by an umbrella without the necessity of having to hold it during use, thus leaving one's hands free for other tasks. A smaller vertical compartment within the backpack houses the umbrella which is deployed by an actuator mechanism on a shoulder strap portion of the backpack. When deployed, the umbrella extends upward over the top of the user via a sectionalized shaft. In such a manner the user is protected from rain and other elements while walking and wearing the backpack, leaving both hands free to perform other tasks.

Backpack for carrying an umbrella and/or child hands free, U.S. Pat. No. 6,866,173 (priority Aug. 15, 2002), provides a backpack assembly which includes a back portion and a front portion. The front portion includes a strap member which includes umbrella supports for holding an umbrella in an opened and closed position in front of the wearer to protect the wearer from the elements. Optionally, a child carrier may also be attached to the front portion of the backpack assembly.

Dry CD port for a backpack or bag, U.S. Pat. No. 6,889,883 (priority Jan. 29, 2003), provides a bag having a closure such that the bag may be substantially closed to the outside environment. The closure comprises a CD port attached to the bag. The CD port comprises a bottom portion comprising two raised portions each defining opposing inner sides, the bottom portion further defining a cutout portion. The CD port further comprises a resilient top portion defining two opposed outer sides having a shape that generally conforms to a shape of the opposed inner sides of the raised portion.

Umbrella backpack, Chinese Patent No. 201879024 (priority Oct. 27, 2010), provides a backpack which structurally comprises an umbrella within the backpack. An opening is formed at the upper part of the backpack and the umbrella is propped open from the opening.

Backpack bag with umbrella, Chinese Patent No. 201388688 (priority Apr. 22, 2009), provides an umbrella, which comprises a backpack bag main body, and a fixed bag is arranged at the outer side of the umbrella which is fixed inside the fixed bag, and a switch which controls the umbrella can be opened only by pressing the switch. The umbrella can be folded into the fixed bag.

Built-in umbrella-inserting backpack, Chinese Patent No. 201727036 (priority Jun. 22, 2010), provides a backpack with a rear bag. A fastening buckle is arranged in the rear bag and can be used for fixing a normally-used folding backpack, and the aim of bringing convenience to people in shedding rain without grabbing an umbrella can be placed in the rear bag.

The prior art inventions generally provide an integral umbrella within the backpack, and do not protect the user from lateral movement of the umbrella due to wind shear. In many regions of North America, Europe, Southeast Asia and the Far East, harsh winds can cause lateral movement of the umbrella when it is in the extended position. This can damage the backpack and its contents, and compromise the protection against rain which the umbrella offers. The present invention allows the user to provide an umbrella of the user's choice. The backpack provides a rigid frame with two vertical members at the sides and two cross members at the top and bottom. The frame is internal to the backpack, and padded for comfort. The umbrella is stored in a rigid cylindrical compartment, which is braced against the frame with diagonal members, such that each diagonal member forms triangles with a vertical member and one or both cross members, providing maximum structural strength.

A backpack with electronic device storage and an umbrella compartment, which provides secure storage for a mobile electronic device with an aperture for earphones, as well as an umbrella compartment which is fully supported by the backpack when the umbrella is opened and the backpack is being worn, would resolve this problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention is directed to a backpack with electronic device storage and an umbrella compartment. The backpack provides a large, padded pocket with a hook-and-loop closure, wherein a mobile electronic device may be securely stored with a snug fit. One or more apertures for earphones are provided, which enables audio files to be accessed and played from a mobile electronic device while it is stored in the pocket and the backpack is being worn. The backpack further provides a long, slender umbrella compartment, and a deep socket which supports the user's umbrella when the umbrella is opened.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification. They illustrate one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serves to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the backpack, the umbrella compartment, the flap, the shoulder straps, the hip belt, earphone apertures, and a side pocket.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the backpack, the zipper, the shoulder straps, the hip belt, earphone apertures, and a side pocket.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the umbrella component of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the umbrella, and the handle.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the first exemplary embodiment with the zipper opened, displaying the backpack, the zipper, and the main pocket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the invention in more detail, the invention is directed to a backpack 10 with electronic device storage and an umbrella compartment 11.

The first exemplary embodiment is comprised of a backpack 10 which is fully waterproofed and provides a large main compartment 12 secured with a zipper 13. The main compartment 12 provides a large, padded main pocket 14 with a hook-and-loop strap 15, wherein a mobile electronic device may be securely stored with a snug fit. The backpack 10 provides shoulder straps 16 and a hip belt 17 which supports most of the weight of the loaded backpack 10, and one or more side pockets 18 which are preferably manufactured from a flexible, durable mesh material. The shoulder straps 16 and the hip belt 17 are adjustable in length.

One or more earphone apertures 19 are provided, which enables audio files to be accessed and played from a mobile electronic device while it is stored in the main pocket 14 and the backpack 10 is being worn. The backpack 10 further provides a long, slender, cylindrical umbrella compartment 11, with a deep socket 20 within the umbrella compartment 11 which supports the user's umbrella 21 when the umbrella 21 is opened. The umbrella compartment 11 is covered by a flap 25. The flap 25 is secured shut by a fastener 26. The fastener 26 can be a hook-and-loop strip, snaps, buttons, or any other appropriate fasteners known in the art. The socket 20 provides a clamp 22 which may be securely affixed to the handle 23 of the umbrella 21, which fits securely in the bottom 24 of the socket 20.

The backpack 10 further provides a rigid frame with two vertical members at the sides and two cross members at the top and bottom. The cross members are curved, and the vertical members are shaped in a shallow S-curve, to comfortably accommodate the shape of the user's back. The frame is internal to the backpack 10, and padded for comfort. The umbrella 21 is stored in a rigid cylindrical compartment 11, which is braced against the frame with diagonal members, such that each diagonal member forms triangles with a vertical member and one or both cross members, providing maximum structural strength

To use the first exemplary embodiment, the user may store a laptop, tablet, or other mobile electronic device in the main pocket 14, securing it with the hook-and-loop fastener 15 which is provided, and may plug earphones into the device using one of the earphone apertures 19. The user then puts on the shoulder straps 16 in the conventional manner, adjusting the length of the shoulder straps 16 so that they fit loosely. The user then fastens the hip belt 17 and adjusts the length of the hip belt 17 so that it fits snugly on the user's pelvis, supporting most of the weight of the backpack 10.

If inclement weather is approaching, the user may elect to remove the backpack 10, open the flap 25, remove the umbrella 21 from the umbrella compartment 11, insert the handle 23 of the umbrella 21 into the socket 20, put on the backpack 10, and open the umbrella 21.

The backpack 10, the main pocket 12, the flap 25, the shoulder straps 16, and the hip belt 17 are preferably manufactured from a flexible, durable material which is substantially waterproof, such as nylon fabric. The zipper 13, the umbrella compartment 11, the socket 20, the vertical members, the cross members, and the diagonal members are preferably manufactured from rigid, durable materials which are corrosion resistant and lightweight and provides substantial structural strength, such as stainless steel, brass, wood, and aluminum alloy.

Components, component sizes, and materials listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and materials could be selected without altering the scope of the invention.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A backpack with electronic device storage and umbrella compartment comprising: a backpack; said backpack having a large main compartment, at least one shoulder strap, a hip belt, and one or more side pockets; said main compartment having a main compartment fastener such that the main compartment may be opened or secured closed; said main compartment containing a main pocket; an umbrella compartment; an umbrella having a handle; said umbrella being sized and configured to removably fit within said umbrella compartment when closed; said umbrella compartment containing a socket; said socket including a clamp at a bottom of the socket; said clamp being configured to secure the handle of said umbrella; said umbrella compartment and socket being configured to hold said umbrella in a vertical position when said handle is secured by said clamp.
 2. The backpack with electronic device storage and umbrella compartment of claim 1, wherein said main pocket being padded; said main pocket being sized and configured to hold a mobile electronic device within; and said main pocket including a main pocket fastener such that the main pocket may be opened or secured closed.
 3. The backpack with electronic device storage and umbrella compartment of claim 2, wherein said main pocket fastener is a hook and loop strip.
 4. The backpack with electronic device storage and umbrella compartment of claim 1, wherein the shoulder straps and the hip belt are adjustable in length.
 5. The backpack with electronic device storage and umbrella compartment of claim 1, wherein said backpack further includes one or more earphone apertures; said earphone apertures providing access to said main compartment such that earphones may be connected to a mobile electronic device.
 6. The backpack with electronic device storage and umbrella compartment of claim 1, further comprising a rigid frame; said rigid frame having two vertical members at each side of the backpack and two cross members at a top and bottom of the backpack.
 7. The backpack with electronic device storage and umbrella compartment of claim 6, wherein said cross members are curved, and vertical members are shaped in a shallow S-curve.
 8. The backpack with electronic device storage and umbrella compartment of claim 6, wherein said rigid frame is internal to the backpack, and padded.
 9. The backpack with electronic device storage and umbrella compartment of claim 7, wherein said rigid frame is internal to the backpack, and padded.
 10. The backpack with electronic device storage and umbrella compartment of claim 6, wherein said umbrella compartment is braced against the frame with diagonal members, such that each diagonal member forms triangles with a vertical member and one or both cross members.
 11. The backpack with electronic device storage and umbrella compartment of claim 1, wherein said backpack is waterproofed.
 12. The backpack with electronic device storage and umbrella compartment of claim 1, wherein said umbrella compartment is affixed to one of said shoulder straps.
 13. The backpack with electronic device storage and umbrella compartment of claim 1, wherein said umbrella compartment includes a flap; said flap being configured to cover the top of said umbrella compartment; said flap including a flap fastener such that the flap may be opened or secured shut.
 14. The backpack with electronic device storage and umbrella compartment of claim 13, wherein said flap fastener may be any one of a hook-and-loop strip, snap, or button.
 15. The backpack with electronic device storage and umbrella compartment of claim 12, wherein said umbrella compartment includes a flap; said flap being configured to cover the top of said umbrella compartment; said flap including a flap fastener such that the flap may be opened or secured shut.
 16. The backpack with electronic device storage and umbrella compartment of claim 15, wherein said flap fastener may be any one of a hook-and-loop strip, snap, or button. 